The blue-toned architecture of Kirigakure loomed faintly in the mist, its outlines barely visible.
From a high vantage point, Naruto Uzumaki and Konan gazed at the village entrance. Everything appeared normal, with no signs of an invasion or disturbance.
Naruto remarked,
"Just like with Iwagakure, we'll start with diplomacy. If we can avoid unnecessary conflict, that would be ideal."
Konan, however, was skeptical.
"The scroll from Kumogakure has already been used to negotiate with Iwagakure, and you've promised the Tsuchikage not to disclose its contents. Without a bargaining chip, approaching one of the Five Great Nations' villages and requesting such an important secret scroll under the guise of being a rogue ninja from another village is highly unlikely to succeed."
She paused, then added,
"Of course, if you decide to unilaterally break your agreement with Iwagakure, that's another story. After all, the agreement was only verbal. Iwagakure likely only sought to save face and didn't truly expect you to honor it. Agreements like these often crumble in the face of greater interests."
Naruto smiled and shook his head.
"That won't do. Even though many things have changed, my way of the ninja—charging forward and keeping my word—remains the same. That's my ninja way, dattebayo!"
He continued,
"As for a bargaining chip, it doesn't necessarily have to be a secret technique scroll. If Kirigakure is willing to part with their secrets, I, Naruto Uzumaki, will ensure that they receive my unwavering aid in their times of need. Konan-nee, please write a letter to the Mizukage with my exact words. Whether she agrees or not is up to her to decide."
Konan nodded with a faint smile.
"Very well, let's do it your way."
With that, Konan penned a letter and sent it to Kirigakure.
To their surprise, Naruto quickly received a positive response. The Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumī, would personally deliver the scroll.
Konan raised an eyebrow in disbelief.
"That was... surprisingly smooth."
Naruto frowned slightly.
"Yeah, it feels a bit too easy. I hope everything goes as planned."
Ten minutes later, a striking figure emerged from the mist.
The Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumī, was one of the most beautiful women in the ninja world.
Her emerald-green eyes sparkled beneath her long, auburn hair, which fell in elegant curls resembling the branches of a pine tree. Her right eye was partially obscured by her hair, and her lips were a soft pink hue.
Her fair skin and curvaceous figure were accentuated by a strapless blue dress, cinched at the waist with a white belt. Her fingernails were painted a deep blue, adding to her mature and alluring charm.
Mei greeted them with a playful yet formal tone.
"Naruto Uzumaki, since we last met in the Land of Iron, your name has grown ever more illustrious. I've heard that you've established the Akatsuki Reformation in Amegakure and have since 'visited' Kumogakure and Iwagakure. Oh, pardon me—'visited' might be the more polite term. Now, you've come all this way to Kirigakure. I must admit, I'm both flattered and a little nervous."
Ignoring the subtle sarcasm in her words, Naruto responded with a cheerful smile.
"You're too kind, Mizukage-sama. Those rumors are greatly exaggerated. I've come here with sincerity, seeking your guidance. If you're willing to help, I'll be forever grateful."
Mei stopped a few steps ahead of them, placing one hand on her hip with a confident posture.
"Guidance might be too strong a word. Let's just say that as long as we don't end up as enemies, I'll consider it a success."
Naruto spread his hands in a gesture of openness.
"The Akatsuki Reformation will never be an enemy of Kirigakure."
With a smile, Mei produced a scroll and extended it toward Naruto.
"Very well. Here is the secret technique scroll of Kirigakure. Take it."
Konan stepped forward to receive the scroll, cautiously opening it to inspect its contents.
But as she did, Mei's lips curled into an eerie smile.
Suddenly, she formed a series of hand seals.
"Lava Release: Acidic Mud Monster!"
Splatter!
A massive wave of viscous, highly corrosive acid spewed from her mouth, spreading rapidly toward Naruto and Konan.
Whoosh!
Naruto's eyes narrowed. In the split second before the acid could engulf them, he grabbed Konan and leapt back ten meters.
Hissssss!
The acid splashed onto the ground, leaving the earth riddled with holes and emitting a foul, acrid stench.
Mei's beautiful face was now shrouded in a dark, ominous expression—one completely out of character for her.
Naruto observed her carefully and muttered,
"As I suspected, her chakra feels off. She must be under a genjutsu."
Konan added,
"To control a sitting Mizukage from afar with genjutsu... it can only be a dōjutsu."
"Exactly!"
Boom!
Naruto stomped the ground, lightning crackling around him as he shot forward in a burst of speed.
Thud!
He delivered a precise punch to Mei's abdomen, causing her to double over in pain.
Naruto swiftly removed his mask, revealing his right Sharingan, its black tomoe spinning into motion.
"Sharingan: Genjutsu Dispel!"
Snap!
Mei's emerald-green eyes trembled violently before losing focus entirely. Moments later, she collapsed into unconsciousness.
Whirl!
A sinister vortex of dark energy swirled in the air.
From it emerged Obito Uchiha, clad in a black robe with a fan strapped to his back. His white mask concealed his face, save for the cold gleam of his Mangekyō Sharingan.
"Obito!" Naruto's pupils contracted as his body instinctively began forming hand seals.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
Boom!
The fireball exploded in midair, creating a barrier of flames between him and Obito.
Without hesitation, Naruto tossed a smoke bomb to the ground, hoisted the unconscious Mei onto his shoulder, and retreated to Konan's side.
"Flying Thunder God Technique!"
In a flash, they teleported back to Amegakure.
As the flames and smoke cleared, Tobi—Obito's alias—appeared beside him.
"His reflexes are as sharp as ever. Should we pursue him?"
Obito stared at the spot where Naruto had disappeared, his gaze deep and contemplative.
"No need. He'll return eventually."
Amegakure – High Tower
Naruto gently laid Mei down on a bed.
Konan asked,
"Didn't you defeat him last time? Why retreat this time?"
Naruto's expression turned grim.
"Those eyes are no joke. Just one glance could mean instant death."
He explained,
"His right eye's Kamui is the ultimate defense, while his left eye's Kamui is the ultimate offense. Together, they make him nearly invincible. Without thorough preparation, it's suicide to face him head-on."
Naruto covered his left eye with his hand and sighed.
"Last time, I used Kotoamatsukami against him. My Sharingan hasn't fully recovered yet. He must've anticipated that."
Konan's eyes flickered with understanding.
"So, those ANBU corpses in the forest earlier... that was his doing?"
Naruto nodded.
"Yes. He arrived at Kirigakure ahead of us, eliminated their ANBU, and used genjutsu to control the Mizukage. He was waiting for the perfect moment to strike me. As always, he's a meticulous planner."
Looking out the window, Naruto added,
"He's marked Amegakure with Kamui as well, but he didn't pursue us. He must be wary of fighting on unfamiliar ground. He's grown more cautious than before."
Konan asked,
"What's the plan now?"
Naruto's eyes gleamed with determination.
"I have a strategy in mind, but it'll take some time to prepare."
On the bed, Mei stirred, her eyelids fluttering as she regained consciousness.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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